Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals cashing in grand fashion
Nothing is boring and tired about Bryce Harper’s start to the season. He’s creating so much buzz that he’s suddenly winning a lot of votes in the campaign to be called the best player in baseball.
In June 2009, Harper was hyped on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He was 16 and in the process of leaving Las Vegas High early for College of Southern Nevada. In the summer of 2010, the Washington Nationals drafted Harper No. 1 overall.
There always will be cynics and doubters, and some said he was overhyped. The cynics and doubters have moved on to another target.
At 23, Harper’s power production has made him the hottest player in the game. He hit a grand slam Tuesday, his second in five days. He has more home runs (seven) than strikeouts (six) this season.
“Everybody is talking about him,” Sunset Station sports book director Chuck Esposito said. “I think Harper is the best in the game now.”
Esposito said he views odds of 12-1 to 15-1 on the Nationals to win the World Series as “tremendous value.”
Oddsmakers and sharp gamblers were anticipating a bounce-back season for the Nationals, who flopped last year in the face of huge expectations. Washington was posted at even money to win the National League East and overtake the New York Mets this year.
The Nationals have the second-best record (10-3) and run differential (plus-29) in the majors, behind the Chicago Cubs.
Harper recently wore a “Make Baseball Fun Again” hat, and no one can say he’s not leading the way. Off a 42-home run year that earned him Most Valuable Player honors, he’s on pace to blow by his prop total of 34½ homers.
“I think he has bypassed Mike Trout as the best player in the game,” said handicapper Dave Cokin (SmokinCokin.com). “I’m a big Harper fan.
“I love what the Nationals are doing. I think they are the best team in baseball. Who’s better? The Cubs are close. The Cubs are sensational.”
Stephen Strasburg, the No. 1 pick in 2009 out of San Diego State, has been another reason for the Nationals’ rise. Strasburg is 3-0 with a 1.25 ERA, and Washington’s starters are 8-2 with a 1.98 ERA.
“Strasburg is healthy, and he looks dynamite,” Cokin said. “He’s got totally dominant stuff.”
Harper, eligible for free agency after the 2018 season, could be a $500 million man when his next contract is negotiated.
“I think he’s going to be in New York,” Cokin said, “and he’s going to be a Yankee.”
But that’s speculation for another day. Harper and the Nationals are looking great together at the moment.
Contact sports betting reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow on Twitter: @mattyoumans247
